Goodwin Performing Arts Center (GPAC)

The new facility for theatre, choir, and band was originally called the Waynesburg College Performing Arts Center. This building would replace Madison Hall, the previous theater hall built in the late 1940s and named after E. Gertrude Madison, a former dean and head of the English department.

Construction on the building commenced in early Fall of 1995 and was envisioned by architect Carl Johnson. There was a unique campaign to purchase a seat for a $300 donation. It was originally projected to be finished by February of 1996 and was a source of great excitement on campus, especially near completion, which was pushed back a few months due to construction delay. 

The building, the name now having been shortened to the Performing Arts Center (PAC) was officially dedicated on October 26th, 1996. The college held a PAC Dedication Week, in which several performers, poets, and other acts joined in on the celebration. First in the week came a student performance titled “The Seven Ages of Man” which included pieces from Shakespeare’s “As You Like It”. The poet B. F. Maiz gave a performance later in the week called, “Voice of the Poet” and also presented a new kind of art that involved poetry, music, and dance. Dr. Gottfried Wagner, a world famous historian, was a key speaker during the week. Another performance by Amernet String Quartet gave listeners a taste of compositions by Haydn, Bartok, and Brahm. 

The GPAC hosted its first play, a comedy called “I Hate Hamlet” in early November, and was followed by the Spring musical, “Into the Woods”.

In 2007, the building was dedicated again and named the Goodwin Performing Arts Center in honor of James and Mary Goodwin.

The GPAC has since been host to a number of theatre performances, band and choir concerts, speakers, student events, and more. 

Alloway, S. “Construction of the Quad behind Miller Hall Added Some Excitement to Campus for a Few Weeks until the Project Was Finished.” Photograph. Waynesburg, PA: Waynesburg University, 1996. From Mad Anthony.

Alloway, S. “Play.” Photograph. Waynesburg, PA: Waynesburg University, 1996. From Mad Anthony.

Dittmar, J. K. “The Transformation Continues into the Twentieth Century.” Essay. In Against All Odds: The Story of Waynesburg University's Remarkable Transformation , 59–65. Waynesburg, PA: Donning , 2010.

“3 New Buildings, Annex Expand College Campus.” Yellow Jacket (Waynesburg, PA), September 22, 1947.

George, R. E. “Performing Arts Center Holds First Play Production.” Yellow Jacket (Waynesburg, PA), November 21, 1996.

George, R. E. “Dr. Gottfried Wager to Speak During Dedication Week.” Yellow Jacket (Waynesburg, PA), October 10, 1996.

George, R. E. “PAC Fall Play Scheduled for Second Week of November.” Yellow Jacket (Waynesburg, PA), October 24, 1996.

Groome, C. “Performing Arts Center Experiences Growing Pains.” Yellow Jacket (Waynesburg, PA), October 10, 1996.

Jones, S. “B.f.maiz to Appear for PAC Dedication Week.” Yellow Jacket (Waynesburg, PA), October 10, 1996.

Loudon, C. “Student Performance Kicks Off PAC Dedication Week.” Yellow Jacket (Waynesburg, PA), October 10, 1996.

Staving, R. “String Quartet Performs During PAC Dedication Week.” Yellow Jacket (Waynesburg, PA), November 7, 1996.